news As a result of the special legislative session on Aug. 24 to grant flood aid to northeastern Minnesota communities affected by the June flood, the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.
The grant is available...
Two Harbors, 55616

Two Harbors Minnesota 109 Waterfront Dr. 55616

2013-12-05 22:56:39

As a result of the special legislative session on Aug. 24 to grant flood aid to northeastern Minnesota communities affected by the June flood, the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.

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The grant is available for government, business owner and individual use and can be used as reimbursement for projects already completed. The projects must relate to water quality or erosion issues and the money must be used by Dec. 1, but this won't be the only money available for flood relief.

"We will be eligible for more funds in the future," Thiemann said. Funds will also become available for flood mitigation even in areas not damaged.

Jennifer Thiemann from the SWCD spoke at the county board meeting on Tuesday. She said projects lying within priority watersheds and dealing with soil erosion will be the most important. She mentioned homes along Knife River that lost their entire shorelines.

Stewart River is one of the most unstable rivers in the region and properties along its shore will also be considered.

A member of the public spoke at the meeting and said he had lost most of his river shoreline due to the flood. A grant obtained by the county veteran's office helped cover some of the costs of repair but additional work was still needed. Thiemann said he likely fits the criteria for grant money.

An informational meeting concerning the grant will be held Monday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake County Service Center on Third Avenue in Two Harbors.

"Anyone who had flood damage is welcome to come in," Thiemann said. She urged those interested to bring pictures and information about their flood damage. Those seeking reimbursements now or in the future should save receipts, take before and after pictures and document everything done to repair damages.

LaReesa Sandretsky is a Two Harbors High School graduate and Duluth native that began working at the News-Chronicle in 2012 as a reporter. She took over as editor in 2014. She covers County Board, including the Lake County broadband project.